The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, will visit the community of Vulindlela, in the south coast, to engage the community about the need to ensure that young people grow in a better environment to enhance their better and healthy development.
Journalists are invited to attend the MEC’s visit and opening of Mgangeni Clinic which will take place on the Thursday, 14 April 2011, at 09h00 held at the Mgangeni Clinic, in Vulamehlo (for directions please contact Khulekani Msomi @ 0795813299).
A largely young population of about 90 000 people where 72% of the population is below the age of 35 years, the community of Vulamehlo has largely completed primary education (62%) and has a high(66%) unemployment rate (IDP 2010). The release of the first steps to healing the South African Family Report (SAIRR, 2011) which, among other things, raised concerns around the environments in which young people growth as having an impact on their growth and development.
The report argues that; “South Africa has a number of unique circumstances that affect the structure and situation of families…Poverty greatly affects family life. The community environment has also profoundly affected the health and well-being of family members, and has consequently placed an added burden on to children.”
Responding to these challenges and to improve the health outcomes for children, the department will announce measures to support child and teenage healthcare services. The MEC believes that; “Many children are not growing up in safe and secure environment. Some are affected by poverty, while others are burdened by the effects of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. This has resulted in an epidemic of high under five mortality and morbidity rates that overburdens our health system. In many instances children have been left to fend for themselves.”
Transport is available for journalists and will depart from the Durban Playhouse at 08h00.
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
